Tonight's post is about energy (I know, you thought I was going to sing. Tricked ya'.). What are you communicating to your partner? Technically, energy is the guy's to set and the lady's to follow, but that's the last (and most difficult) hurdle in leading so I'm going to speak in terms everyone can use. All too often, we let the muck of our day ooze into our dancing. We're missing half the beauty of dancing right there! When you're on the dance floor - all your problems go away! Why do you think I dance as often as possible;) It's like being on a motorcycle...ah, I can almost feel the wind calling. When we let any outside obstacles effect our dancing, it's like having a face to face conversation and taking a phone call at the same time. Obnoxious, right? So, next time you agree to a dance, let everything else go but what you and your partner are creating in that moment. And what are you creating? Are you showing people you're excited to dance with each other? Or are you just biding your time 'til the person you really want to dance with is free? Using the conversation analogy again - no one likes talking to that dude or chic. We know when your mind is elsewhere. And is it really so much to ask for your full attention for 3.5 minutes? But let's say your focus on each other is already a tractor beam - good! Now let's make sure the energy is just right. I danced with a female version of the energizer bunny tonight - and while adorable - she was a touch overzealous. So I told her to wait for me (the lead) and work on connecting to me, instead of trying to do the steps right. And she was wonderful! What we then created was honest and spontaneous. Who doesn't love that conversation? Entire romantic comedies are based on achieving just one of those:) The moral is: with each dance and each partner, you want to find the right energy. Maybe you're jazzed up - maybe you're chillin'. It depends on your partner. No two partners will feel the same. Nor will any two dances. And thank goodness! Who wants to go around having the same conversation all the time? Everyone really is unique (our parents weren't lying to us;). It's our job to find the fun that fits us as a dance duo. We're not here to outshine or diminish each other. We're dancing to bring the best out in both of us. See you on the hardwood!